Designer Looks for Less

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana explore their hippie sides for Spring. Channel your inner flower child for cheap with Forever 21's "Adella" floral dress (just $24.80) and trendy On Your Feet "Leoal" gladiator sandals from Macy's ($49).

Actress Thandie Newton wore a multi-tiered Jonathan Saunders organza dress to the premiere of No Country For Old Men that perfectly highlights her smart taste in fashion: The color palette is bold yet flattering, while the silhouette is visually interesting without overshadowing her gorgeous figure.

Equally important are the ways she's chosen to style her hair (simple, smooth, and chic), and her makeup (fresh, dewy, and understated). Sexy peep-toe heels provide the perfect compliment to complete the look.

We haven't got one bad thing to say about this look, except the dress is a wee bit beyond our budget. Enter Forever 21's Tiered Shift Dress (right). At $22.80, it might not be pure silk or have a designer label, but it's definitely a steal.

>> Left: Jonathan Saunders 'Brent' block color mini dress at Net-a-porter.com, Was $1,635 Now $1,144
>> Right: Tiered Shift Dress at Forever21.com, $22.80

I feel like Spring's nautical trend has been eclipsed by all the rest (global, urban safari, bright colors, artsy prints, etc.) - but it's out there, and it's one of the easiest to wear. Take, for instance, these Trina Turk "Pim" shorts (left): A sailor-style button front secures cuffed twill shorts, flatteringly fitted with a V-shaped inset waist. You could wear them with a striped bandeau top to continue the seafarer theme, or mix trends and pair it with a bold print halter top (shown here: Trina Turk 'Astrid' Blouse, but budget versions abound, too.) In short, both land and sea offer limitless inspiration for our Spring wardrobes.

>> Left: Trina Turk 'Pim' Shorts at Nordstrom.com, $178.00
>> Right: Double Button Cuff Short at Forever21.com, $17.80

If you're fond of that elite-chic mid-winter vacation vibe that's the hallmark of resort wear, then Diane von Furstenberg's Love Knot Sandal is for you: Thin gold straps link to a statement-making love knot on a discreet wedge to create the perfect shoe to pair with those maxi dresses and caftans you might wear in the islands.

If, on the other hand, you'd simply like to bring a bit of the beach to your own backyard, then you'll love Aerosole's Soul Mate Thong. Comfortable styling, a chic metallic hue, and a wallet-friendly price makes this sandal your passport for summer fun wherever you are.

>> Left: DVF Love Knot Thong Sandal at Cusp.com, $265.00
>> Right: Aerosoles "Soul Mate" Thong at Macys.com, $69.00

The Rachel Leigh turquoise beaded hoops on the left have just the right amount of glam to punch up any outfit, but at $88.00 they're a tad steep for costume jewelry. After a quick search, I found a similar looking pair of hoops at Forever 21. They look light and airy and I think I actually prefer the fish hook hanger to the Rachel Leigh posts. You could also splurge on the designer earrings for Mom (Mother's Day is May 11th!) and get the fun cheap-o pair for yourself. (You'd do that for your mom, wouldn't you...?!)

Left: Rachel Leigh bead hoops at Shopbop.com, $88
Right: Beaded Hoop Earrings at Forever 21.com, $4.80

I know that stealing is wrong. My Mother told me so. But I find it hard to reduce fashion plagiarism to a normative argument of "right" or "wrong," and here's why: Designer clothing is so very "You can look, but don't touch." So here we are, gals with a genetic predisposition toward cute clothes, fashionable styles and pretty dresses, looking and drooling at designer clothing from afar...but we're told not to eat of the fruit. Along comes Forever 21 and says, "Go ahead, pluck the apple!" as they dangle designer knock-offs in front of our noses.

The ability of copycats to so easily perform their evil deeds further complicates the issue. When my boyfriend covets a Porsche 911 Turbo, it's not like he (or a car manufacturer like Kia) can even come close to producing a reasonable facsimile of the object he desires. But with a dress, it's another story. To imitate (not reproduce) Fendi's color-block tiered frock above, one need only have access to fabric, a needle and some thread. OK, I know it's not that easy but let's assume, for the sake of argument, that you can construct a dress that comes pretty darn close (if you argue that Forever 21 can't make a similar reproduction, well then, we wouldn't be having this discussion.) Suddenly, it's the $2,500 price tag attached to the Fendi dress that starts to look like the crime.

But Mother also taught me that just because you can do something doesn't mean you should, and it certainly doesn't make it right. And since this is a blog, I'll leave it at that for now.

>> Left: Fendi Tri-Color Trapeze Dress at Net-A-Porter.com, $2,490
>> Right: Multi Tier Sleeveless Dress at Forever21.com, $32.80

Into optical illusions? These unique frocks have stripes that give the illusion of a tonal gradient when viewed from a distance. Pony up $168.00 for French Connection's version (center), or simply give the illusion that you paid a lot for your duds with either of the dresses on the sides from (who else) Forever 21.

>> Left: Diamond Knit Dress at Forever21.com (also available in red), $22.80
>> Center: Sunrise Tellin Dress at Fcuk.com, $168
>> Right: Sleeveless Diamond Knit Dress at Forever 21.com, $24.80